Terms and Conditions

Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before using the Homesloc Platform

1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

1.1 Definition of Terms

•Agreement: These Terms and Conditions, including any annexures, policies, and additional terms
•Applicable Law: All statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders
•Booking: A confirmed reservation made by a Customer through the Platform
•Content: All text, graphics, images, audio, video, information, data, reviews, feedback
•Customer: A User who browses, reserves, or avails any accommodation, travel, tour, event
•Event Services: Banquet halls, venues, or spaces offered for temporary rental
•Force Majeure: Any event beyond reasonable control including acts of God, war, terrorism
•Homesloc: The technology platform owned and operated by Shigatha Tourism Private Limited
•Listing: Any accommodation, tour package, service, event venue, or experience posted
•Personal Data: Any data that relates to an identified or identifiable natural person
•Platform: The Homesloc website, mobile application, and all associated services
•Policies: Privacy Policy, Cancellation Policy, Refund Policy, Cookie Policy
•Service Provider: Any individual, entity, or third party who lists services on the Platform
•Terms: These Terms and Conditions, as updated, modified, or replaced
•Third Party: Any entity other than the Customer, Service Provider, or Homesloc
•User: Any individual or entity who accesses or uses the Platform
•Wallet: Any promotional or refundable balance issued by Homesloc

1.2 Acceptance and Modifications

By accessing or using the Homesloc Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. Homesloc reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time, at its sole discretion.

•Modifications shall be effective immediately upon posting on the Platform
•Continued use of the Platform after any modifications constitutes acceptance
•Bookings made prior to modifications will be subject to the terms in place at the time of booking

1.3 User Acknowledgment and Consent

•You acknowledge that you are of legal age and capacity to enter into a binding contract
•You consent to receive communications from Homesloc regarding your account and bookings
•You may opt out of certain communications as permitted by applicable law

1.4 Agreement to Policies

•Your use of the Platform is subject to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy
•It is your responsibility to check these policies for any updates

2. Eligibility and Registration Requirements

2.1 Eligibility to Use the Platform

•You must be at least 18 years of age and have legal capacity
•Homesloc reserves the right to deny access to non-compliant Users

2.2 Account Registration and Verification

•You must provide accurate, current, and complete information
•Homesloc may request additional documentation for verification
•You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account
•Duplicate accounts without permission are prohibited

2.3 Responsibility for Account Security

•You must maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials
•Notify Homesloc immediately of any unauthorized access
•Homesloc is not liable for unauthorized access not attributable to its negligence

2.4 Age Restrictions and Parental Supervision

•Platform is intended for individuals 18 years or older
•Users under 18 may only use with parent/guardian supervision
•Parent/guardian is fully responsible for minor's actions

3. Services Offered by Homesloc

3.1 Description of Services

•Platform connects Users with Service Providers offering various services
•Users can browse, search, compare and book services
•Homesloc is an intermediary, not the service provider

3.2 Platform Scope and Limitations

•Contracts are between Users and Service Providers
•Homesloc does not own, manage or control listed services
•Not responsible for issues arising from service provision

3.3 Service Provider Listings and Profiles

•Service Providers responsible for accuracy of listings
•Homesloc may remove inappropriate listings
•Users must conduct their own due diligence

3.4 Tour, Adventure and Accommodation Services

•Specific terms determined by Service Providers
•Users must review Service Provider's terms before booking

4. Booking Process and Confirmation

Users can browse and book services directly through the Platform, providing accurate booking details during the process. Payment completion is required to finalize bookings.

•Booking confirmed when Homesloc issues confirmation notice
•Users must review booking details before confirmation
•Both Users and Service Providers bound to honor confirmed bookings

4.4 Payment Terms and Service Charges

•Payments processed through secure payment gateway
•Homesloc deducts applicable commissions and taxes
•Users may be responsible for disclosed transaction fees

4.5 Security Deposit and Refund Policies

•Some Service Providers may require refundable security deposit
•Refunds processed per Homesloc's Refund Policy

4.6 Cancellation and Modification Terms

•Service Providers must disclose cancellation policies upfront
•Users must adhere to disclosed terms for cancellations
•Service Provider initiated cancellations entitle Users to full refunds

4.7 Dispute Resolution for Payments

•Users must report payment disputes within 7 days
•Unresolved disputes may escalate to arbitration
•Homesloc disclaims liability for third-party payment processor issues

5. User Responsibilities and Conduct

5.1 Compliance with Applicable Laws

•Users must comply with all applicable laws
•Prohibited from activities that violate laws including fraud
•Must comply with local laws related to booked services

5.2 Prohibited Conduct and Misuse

•No unlawful purposes or fraudulent activities
•No defamatory, discriminatory, or obscene content
•No hacking or interfering with platform functionality
•No misrepresentation of identity
•No activities harming Homesloc's reputation
•No spamming or unsolicited commercial messages
•No copyright or intellectual property infringement
•No discriminatory or hateful speech
•No damage or misuse of service provider property
•No threats to safety and security
•No false information about service providers

5.3 Non-Circumvention of Platform

•No contacting Service Providers directly to avoid fees
•Attempts may result in account suspension

5.4 Review and Feedback Policy

•Reviews must be genuine and constructive
•Homesloc may moderate or remove inappropriate reviews
•Reviews are publicly visible

5.5 User Safety and Security

•Must adhere to service provider's safety guidelines
•Must follow safety instructions from service provider

5.6 User Property Damage

•Users responsible for damage to service provider property

6. Service Provider Responsibilities

6.1 General Service Standards

•Service Providers must deliver services professionally and in accordance with agreed terms
•All listings (description, photos, pricing, availability, cancellation policies) must be accurate and regularly updated
•Service Providers are solely responsible for the accuracy of their listings
•Service Providers must hold valid licenses, permits, and certifications required for lawful operations
•Homesloc is not liable for Service Providers operating without required legal authorization

6.2 Safety and Compliance

•Service Providers must comply with safety and hygiene standards including fire safety and equipment maintenance
•Appropriate insurance coverage (including liability insurance where applicable) must be maintained
•Compliance with all local, national, and international laws including tax and data protection laws is mandatory
•Service Providers must ensure a safe environment for users
•Homesloc is not responsible for safety incidents unless caused directly by its own actions

6.3 Communication and Issue Resolution

•Timely and professional communication with users must be maintained
•Service Providers must have a complaint and dispute resolution mechanism
•Users are encouraged to contact the Service Provider directly for service concerns
•Homesloc may assist in dispute resolution but does not guarantee outcomes
•Homesloc may share Service Provider contact details with users when appropriate

6.4 Specific Service Requirements

•Event/Banquet services must ensure proper staffing, security, equipment disclosures, and venue policies
•Homestay services must provide clean and secure lodging and disclose privacy or accessibility information
•Hotel/Accommodation services must follow check-in/out norms and maintain room hygiene
•Tour & Adventure services must comply with safety standards, provide necessary gear, disclose requirements, and maintain emergency protocols
•Users must review and follow the specific policies set by each Service Provider

6.5 User Data and Platform Integrity

•Service Providers must protect user data and use it only for service delivery as per applicable laws
•Soliciting or redirecting users for off-platform bookings is strictly prohibited
•The platform must be used in good faith without abuse or exploitation
•Homesloc is not liable for data breaches caused by a Service Provider’s actions or negligence

6.6 Auditing and Compliance

•Service Providers must allow Homesloc or its auditors access to records for compliance checks
•Both parties may agree on additional operational or legal compliance requirements

6.7 Reviews

•Service Providers must address user reviews professionally, including criticism
•Homesloc is not responsible for ratings or reviews outside its control

7. Data Privacy

7.1 Data Protection Commitment

•Homesloc is committed to protecting personal information and ensuring transparency
•Use of the platform implies consent to Homesloc’s data practices as per the Privacy Policy

7.2 Data Collected

•Homesloc collects personal data including name, contact information, location, payment data, and usage information
•Data is collected to provide, improve, and secure platform services

7.3 Compliance With Laws

•All data processing complies with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 and applicable global laws (e.g., GDPR)

7.4 Purpose of Data Usage

•Data is used for managing bookings, communication, fraud prevention, analytics, marketing (with consent), and support

7.5 Service Provider Responsibility

•Service Providers act as independent data controllers for data shared with them
•They must secure and use user data in compliance with applicable laws

7.6 Data Safeguards

•Homesloc uses encryption, limited access controls, and technical safeguards to protect data

7.7 Cross-Border Data Transfer

•Data may be stored or processed outside India with adequate safeguards as per DPDPA 2023

7.8 User Rights

•Users may request access, correction, deletion, or restriction of their personal data
•Users may withdraw consent or object to certain data uses

7.9 Data Breach Notification

•Homesloc will notify affected users and authorities in case of a data breach, as required by law

7.10 Acceptance of Data Practices

•Continued platform use indicates acceptance of Homesloc’s data handling practices

7.11 Privacy Policy Reference

•Users should refer to the full Privacy Policy for detailed data handling information

8. Intellectual Property Rights

8.1 Ownership of Platform Content

•All platform content including text, graphics, software, design, algorithms is owned by Homesloc or its licensors
•Homesloc retains full ownership of proprietary systems and features
•No ownership rights are transferred to Users or Service Providers

8.2 Limited License to Use Platform

•Users and Service Providers receive a limited, non-exclusive, revocable license to use the platform
•Commercial exploitation, distribution, or modification of platform content is prohibited without written consent
•Use of platform content outside permitted scope (e.g., scraping, creating derivative works) is prohibited

8.3 Restrictions on Use of Intellectual Property

•Homesloc trademarks or logos may not be misused
•Reverse engineering or redistributing proprietary technology is prohibited
•Registering domains or accounts that infringe on Homesloc IP is prohibited
•Removing copyright or proprietary notices is not allowed
•Use of Homesloc IP must comply with the DPDPA 2023
•Users agree to indemnify Homesloc for IP infringement

8.4 Copyright Infringement Claims

•Homesloc complies with copyright laws including the Indian Copyright Act and Berne Convention
•Copyright complaints must include identification of the work, infringing material, proof of ownership, and contact details
•Homesloc will investigate and may remove infringing content

8.5 User-Generated Content

•Users retain ownership of content they upload (photos, reviews, listings, messages)
•Users grant Homesloc a worldwide license to use, modify, distribute, and display UGC
•Users must ensure they have rights to their content
•Homesloc may remove content that violates terms or laws
•UGC must comply with the DPDPA 2023
•Homesloc may monitor UGC for compliance
•Homesloc is not responsible for third-party IP used by Service Providers

8.6 Survival

•All intellectual property obligations remain enforceable even after termination of the agreement

9. Cancellation, Refunds, and Force Majeure

9.1 Customer Cancellation Policy

•Customers may cancel based on the cancellation policy defined by the Service Provider
•Policies include deadlines, fees, and refund percentages
•Refunds are processed according to the Service Provider policy and Homesloc guidelines
•Homesloc is not liable for disputes except ensuring refunds are processed in good faith
•Policies must comply with applicable laws

9.2 Service Provider Cancellation Policy

•Service Providers must clearly define cancellation and refund policies
•If a Service Provider cancels, they must provide an equivalent or superior alternative at their cost
•Homesloc may suspend Service Providers who frequently cancel
•Homesloc is not liable for costs related to Service Provider cancellations
•Policies vary per listing and are shown during booking
•Cancellation must be done through the platform or by notifying Homesloc support

9.3 Refunds and Compensation

•Refunds are processed based on the cancellation policy
•Homesloc ensures agreed refunds are processed but is not responsible for Service Provider financial ability
•Disputes must be resolved between customer and Service Provider
•Homesloc may adjust commissions for cancellations or fraud
•Penalties may apply to Service Providers who repeatedly cancel
•Refund timelines for third-party gateways depend on the gateway

9.4 Force Majeure and Liability

•Force Majeure includes natural disasters, pandemics, cyberattacks, outages, and other uncontrollable events
•No party is liable for non-performance due to Force Majeure, but must notify the other party promptly
•Affected parties must attempt to mitigate impact and resume operations once feasible
•Homesloc assumes no liability for downtime or technical failures caused by Force Majeure

10. Termination and Suspension

10.1 Right to Suspend or Terminate Accounts

•Homesloc may suspend or terminate any user or Service Provider account at its sole discretion
•Termination may occur with or without notice
•Accounts may be suspended to protect platform integrity or comply with legal requirements

10.2 Grounds for Termination

•Breach of material terms without timely remedy
•Fraudulent, unlawful, or unethical conduct
•Consistent and valid complaints from users
•Service Provider insolvency or cessation of business
•Providing false or misleading information
•Actions harmful to Homesloc’s reputation or users
•Violations of data protection policies
•Repeated minor violations of the Terms

10.3 Notice and Appeals Process

•Users will be notified via email or in-app alerts unless immediate action is needed
•Users and Service Providers may appeal within 3 days of notice
•Appeal decisions by Homesloc are final

10.4 Consequences of Termination

•Immediate cessation of use of the platform
•Service Providers must fulfill pending bookings unless directed otherwise
•Return or destruction of Homesloc confidential materials
•Service Providers must clear outstanding payments and penalties
•Homesloc may retain user data as per law and policies
•Rights and obligations prior to termination remain unaffected

11. Limitation of Liability

11.1 Disclaimer

•Platform is provided on an ‘as-is’ and ‘as-available’ basis
•Homesloc does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation

11.2 Service Failures

•Homesloc is not responsible for failures caused by the Service Provider
•Service Providers have full responsibility for quality and delivery

11.3 General Limitation

•No liability for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
•Includes loss of profits, revenue, or goodwill

11.4 Service Provider Liability

•Responsible for disputes due to non-delivery or misrepresentation
•Liable for injury or property damage during services
•Must comply with all applicable laws
•Liable for unlicensed subcontractors
•Liable for misuse of intellectual property or data
•Responsible for violating platform or data policies

11.5 Platform Downtime

•Homesloc is not liable for downtime due to maintenance, attacks, or outages

11.6 Notifications

•Both parties must notify each other of incidents or claims promptly

11.7 Exclusions

•Liability is not excluded for fraud, gross negligence, or data breaches

11.8 Adventure Risks

•Users acknowledge inherent risks in adventure activities
•Homesloc is not liable for such risks

11.9 Third-Party Links

•Homesloc is not responsible for third-party content or integrations

12. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law

12.1 Negotiation

•Disputes will first be attempted to be resolved through negotiation

12.2 Mediation

•Unresolved disputes go to mediation in Malappuram, Kerala
•Costs will be shared equally

12.3 Arbitration

•If mediation fails, disputes are resolved by arbitration

12.4 Arbitration Procedure

•Sole arbitrator mutually appointed
•Governed by Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996
•Seat and venue: Malappuram, Kerala
•Language: English

12.5 Final Award

•Arbitrator’s decision is final and binding
•Courts in Malappuram hold exclusive jurisdiction

12.6 Interim Relief

•Either Party may seek interim relief from competent courts

12.7 Governing Law

•Terms governed by Indian Law
•Jurisdiction: Malappuram, Kerala

12.8 Waiver

•Users waive rights to participate in class-action lawsuits

13. Modifications & Amendments

13.1 Right to Update

•Homesloc may modify these Terms anytime

13.2 Notification

•Users will be notified of major changes via email or platform

13.3 Effective Date

•Updates become effective upon posting
•Continued use = acceptance of changes

14. Indemnification

14.1 User & Service Provider Responsibilities

•Indemnify Homesloc against claims arising from violations of Terms
•Covers misuse, unlawful content, fraud, negligence, or misconduct
•Service Providers are liable for non-compliance with laws

14.2 Defense Rights

•Homesloc may assume defense control of any indemnifiable matter
•Users must cooperate fully

15. Non-Circumvention

15.1 Restrictions

•Users must not contact Service Providers outside the platform
•No direct payments outside the platform
•No encouraging Service Providers to bypass Homesloc

15.2 Consequences

•May lead to suspension or legal action
•Homesloc may recover lost commissions

16. Anti-Fraud & Verification

16.1 Verification Measures

•Users must provide accurate and updated information
•Homesloc may request ID verification anytime
•Fraudulent actions will result in immediate suspension
•Suspicious bookings may be paused or cancelled
•Bots or scraping tools are prohibited

16.2 Fraud Prevention

•Homesloc cooperates with banks and authorities in fraud investigations

17. Service Interruption & Maintenance

17.1 Scheduled Maintenance

•Platform may be temporarily unavailable for updates
•Advance notice will be provided when possible

17.2 Unscheduled Outages

•Platform access may be suspended without notice during emergencies

17.3 Liability

•Homesloc is not liable for losses during downtime

17.4 Acknowledgement

•Users understand that technical interruptions may occur

18. Marketing & Promotional Communication

18.1 Communication Types

•Users agree to receive service-related and promotional messages

18.2 Preferences

•Users can unsubscribe from promotional emails
•Transactional emails cannot be opted out

18.3 Data Protection

•Homesloc follows anti-spam laws
•Personal data is not sold to third parties

19. Electronic Communication & Legal Notice

•Users consent to receive electronic communications
•Notices are considered delivered 24 hours after being sent

20. Interpretation & Hierarchy

•These Terms override conflicting policy content
•Headings do not affect interpretation

21. Grievance Officer & Support

•Homesloc has appointed a Grievance Officer as per IT Act 2000
•Email: operations@homesloc.com
•Address: Shigatha Tourism Pvt Ltd, Niramaruthur, Tirur, Malappuram, Kerala 676109
•Complaints acknowledged within 48 hours and resolved within 30 days

22. Intermediary Status and Legal Compliance

•Homesloc is an intermediary under the Information Technology Act, 2000
•Not liable for third-party content or transaction outcomes
•Acts purely as a facilitator between Users and Service Providers

By accessing the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

These Terms may be updated periodically. We encourage you to review them regularly for any changes.